It's practically impossible to predict an emergency. When patients arrive at a hospital's Emergency Department, they are often clothed in nightwear, casual wear or a combination of both. Upon discharge, this can be problematic. Many patients don't have appropriate clothing to leave.
For this reason, the Department of Social Work at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA established a Clothing Closet stocked with various articles of clothing suited for those in need. But this past winter, the inventory was ruined when a pipe broke and leaked where the items were stored. Faced with this emergency, the Department initiated a clothing drive during the Spring of 2018 to replenish the Closet’s stock.
"Some of our patients are homeless or don't have family members in the area that are able to bring them clothing to wear home," states Molly Carlock MSW, LSW, one of the organizers of the initiative. "In many instances, their clothing is soiled when they arrive, or may need to be cut off during treatment. So we have been dependent on our Clothing Closet to help patients who are in this situation."
The Department asked for donations of new clothing in a variety of sizes. "You don't realize that you need to have a variety of sizes available for both men and women," states Anne Marie Shea, MSW, and social work team leader. "This drive was very helpful because it allowed the team to determine what type of clothing was needed and the sizes that were needed as well."
The team received over 179 articles of clothing in various sizes and gift cards which helped to replenish what was lost. In addition, the hospital received a PennCares grant. These grants were established for health system employees to use to help improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Chester County Hospital was awarded one to provide clothing and personal items to the most vulnerable populations across Chester County, PA. The team is taking inventory of the donations they received and will supplement any outstanding items with funds from the PennCares Grant.
Related Information from Chester County Hospital: